19 Thanksgiving Appetizers to Start the Feast Off Right

ByMandy

Before the turkey steals the spotlight, there’s room for a few small bites that bring people together. These 19 Thanksgiving appetizers give guests something to enjoy while everyone warms up with stories and light teasing. They’re quick to grab and perfect for easing awkward small talk with relatives. Call it the calm before the delicious storm.

A platter of whipped cheese topped with roasted cranberries, chopped herbs, and sliced green onions.
Sweet and Spicy Cranberry Jalapeño Dip. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Mini Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread

A baked pull-apart bread ring with melted cheese and cranberries on a gray plate, garnished with rosemary sprigs.
Mini Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Start the meal with something fun and sharable. Mini Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread offers a warm, gooey start to any celebration. Packed with a mix of textures, it’s perfect for gathering around and enjoying together. This appetizer brings everyone to the table and is sure to be a crowd favorite.
Get the Recipe: Mini Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread

Fresh Caprese Appetizer Bites

Image shows an overhead shot of Caprese Bites on a wooden board.
Fresh Caprese Appetizer Bites. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Make it fresh and simple to kick things off. Fresh Caprese Appetizer Bites are small, balanced, and bring a refreshing bite to the table. They’re quick to enjoy and have all the flavors that pair well with seasonal gatherings. This appetizer is an easy addition that brightens up the snack lineup effortlessly.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Caprese Appetizer Bites

Festive Pumpkin Shaped Cheeseball

Cheese ball shaped like a pumpkin with a green stem, coated in crumbled topping, surrounded by herbs and decorative pumpkins on a wooden surface.
Festive Pumpkin Shaped Cheeseball. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Start with something both fun and flavorful for the table. Festive Pumpkin Shaped Cheeseball delivers creamy dip with a seasonal touch. It pairs perfectly with crackers, veggies, or pretzels and also makes a striking centerpiece. You get both an appetizer and a festive conversation starter in one.
Get the Recipe: Festive Pumpkin Shaped Cheeseball

Buttery Garlic Bread

Slices of garlic bread topped with chopped parsley and sea salt sit enticingly on a wooden board, accompanied by a small bowl of salt and fresh cloves of garlic.
Buttery Garlic Bread. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Nothing beats something buttery and sharable to begin a meal. Buttery Garlic Bread delivers warm slices that everyone can enjoy. It pairs well with soups, dips, or is great on its own as a comforting starter. Soft, fresh, and always a hit, this dish works for any holiday spread.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Garlic Bread

Creamy Beer Cheese Dip

A hand dips a tortilla chip into creamy cheese dip sprinkled with paprika and black pepper.
Creamy Beer Cheese Dip. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Get ready for a creamy appetizer everyone will love. Creamy Beer Cheese Dip is great for dipping pretzels, chips, or veggies and brings a rich, bold bite to the table. It’s indulgent without being too heavy and adds variety to the lineup with its smooth texture. Ideal for guests that love snack-style dishes.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Beer Cheese Dip

Sweet Cranberry Brie Bites

A tray of cranberry brie bites with walnut topping.
Sweet Cranberry Brie Bites. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

If you’re looking for something on the sweeter side, this one works. Sweet Cranberry Brie Bites combine fruity toppings with a warm, melty finish. Served in bite-sized portions, they’re perfect for appetizer plates or festive gatherings. They look good and taste even better, making them easy to grab and enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Cranberry Brie Bites

Creamy Pumpkin Soup

A mouthwatering close-up of pumpkin soup garnished with a swirl of cream, crunchy pumpkin seeds, a crispy slice, and aromatic sage leaves.
Creamy Pumpkin Soup. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Kick off the holiday meal with something smooth and comforting. Creamy Pumpkin Soup brings a cozy dish to warm everyone up during fall festivities. It’s the perfect addition alongside bread or crackers and makes a good starter before the heartier courses. This one offers both tradition and simplicity in one bowl.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pumpkin Soup

Spiral Pinwheel Sandwiches

Close-up of several tortilla pinwheel wraps filled with various ingredients including spinach, cream cheese, tomatoes, and other vegetables, arranged neatly on a white surface.
Spiral Pinwheel Sandwiches. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Hand-held bites are always a favorite for gatherings. Spiral Pinwheel Sandwiches are packed with all the classic sandwich fillings rolled into easy-to-grab slices. Great for sharing and made for big crowds, they’re lightweight but still feel complete as an appetizer. This one works well for keeping things casual and fun.
Get the Recipe: Spiral Pinwheel Sandwiches

Crispy Mini Hasselback Potatoes

A plate of sliced, roasted baby potatoes is garnished with herbs. A small bowl of creamy sauce is placed in the center.
Crispy Mini Hasselback Potatoes. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Go for something crispy and bite-sized to kick off the meal. Crispy Mini Hasselback Potatoes impress with their tiny size and satisfying crunch. Perfect for dipping sauces or enjoying plain, they pack a lot of texture into each potato. These are great for adding variety to the appetizer plate.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Mini Hasselback Potatoes

Creamy Spinach Artichoke Dip

Close-up of a baked spinach and artichoke dip in a dark dish, showing a golden brown, bubbly cheese topping with a portion scooped out, revealing the creamy interior.
Creamy Spinach Artichoke Dip. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Bring in a warming dip that’s always a crowd favorite. Creamy Spinach Artichoke Dip delivers a smooth, rich combination perfect for pairing with chips, crackers, or bread. It’s easy to scoop and ideal for guests who want something hearty without being overwhelming. Perfect for gatherings of all sizes and always popular.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Spinach Artichoke Dip

Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites

A bowl of golden-brown, crispy fried arancini served in a white dish on a plain background.
Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Bite-sized appetizers never go out of style for Thanksgiving. Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites are cheesy, crispy, and packed with hearty goodness. These are perfect for adding a little kick to your table. They’ll definitely be a crowd favorite to start your meal.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites

Loaded Potato Skins

Potato skins with sour cream and sliced scallions.
Loaded Potato Skins. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Potato fans will love starting their meal this way. Loaded Potato Skins offer a mix of crispy and creamy textures, packed with bold toppings. These are a hit for both kids and adults alike. Just a few bites of this appetizer will set the tone for a memorable feast.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Potato Skins

Smoky Muhammara with Pita Bread

A bowl of tomato-based dip garnished with chopped parsley and walnuts, with pita bread pieces on the side.
Smoky Muhammara with Pita Bread. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

For something rich in texture and earthy tones, try Smoky Muhammara with Pita Bread. It’s a bold option to share that pairs well with a variety of Thanksgiving sides. The dip brings a smoky depth that highlights the pita perfectly. Great for small servings filled with robust layers of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Smoky Muhammara with Pita Bread

Savory Stuffed Mushrooms

Stuffed mushrooms with crispy shallots and parsley.
Savory Stuffed Mushrooms. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Mushroom lovers have a great treat waiting. Savory Stuffed Mushrooms are bite-sized but bring big, bold stuffing in every piece. This appetizer combines texture and heartiness while staying easy to eat. Perfect for setting the mood for the meal ahead.
Get the Recipe: Savory Stuffed Mushrooms

Crispy Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes

Several smashed, roasted baby potatoes garnished with herbs and grated cheese are arranged on a baking sheet.
Crispy Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

You can’t go wrong with a potato dish at the table. Crispy Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes bring both crunch and seasoning to your appetizer spread. These bite-sized options are great for sharing and pair well with other sides. A rich texture makes them stand out every time.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes

Creamy Roasted Pumpkin Hummus

A bowl of hummus with chickpeas and herbs.
Creamy Roasted Pumpkin Hummus. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Add something creamy to the table this Thanksgiving. Creamy Roasted Pumpkin Hummus is a smooth option that offers rich autumn vibes. Paired with bread or veggies, this appetizer shines as a comforting starter. It’s ideal for those who want something light yet bold before the main feast.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Roasted Pumpkin Hummus

Crispy Portobello Mushroom Fries

A bowl of crispy portobello mushroom fries with dipping sauce.
Crispy Portobello Mushroom Fries. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Crispy bites are always a hit for appetizers. Crispy Portobello Mushroom Fries bring a crunchy twist on a classic favorite. The texture makes them addictive and great for dipping into sauces or eating on their own. They’re easy to eat and add a fun element to the table.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Portobello Mushroom Fries

Golden Baked Sweet Potato Wedges

Close-up of several roasted sweet potato wedges on parchment paper, garnished with chopped herbs.
Golden Baked Sweet Potato Wedges. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Sweet potato fans won’t want to skip this one. Golden Baked Sweet Potato Wedges are a crisp, caramelized warm-up for your Thanksgiving meal. These are a lighter choice that pairs well with other dips and spreads on the menu. They deliver a familiar touch with every bite.
Get the Recipe: Golden Baked Sweet Potato Wedges

Sweet and Spicy Cranberry Jalapeño Dip

A platter of whipped cheese topped with roasted cranberries, chopped herbs, and sliced green onions.
Sweet and Spicy Cranberry Jalapeño Dip. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Add something bold and tangy to your spread. Sweet and Spicy Cranberry Jalapeño Dip balances fruity and spicy in a way that catches eyes and keeps people talking. Served with crackers or bread, it’s the burst of flavor that brings variety to the table. This dip is a must-have twist for your holiday lineup.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Spicy Cranberry Jalapeño Dip

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *